Prepare to be delighted by these irresistible lemon rolls, where each bite offers a burst of vibrant lemon flavor. These rolls are exquisitely soft and fluffy, crafted with a dough that blends traditional ingredients with the tangy twist of Greek yogurt and lemon zest. Filled with a rich lemon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy lemon glaze, these rolls are a perfect treat for any citrus lover.
Why You'll Love This Recipe: The combination of fresh lemon zest in both the dough and filling infuses these rolls with a bright, zesty flavor that’s hard to resist. The Greek yogurt in the dough ensures each roll is incredibly soft and fluffy, making them a joy to eat. With their mouth-watering lemon scent and sweet, tangy taste, these rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Perfect Occasion: These lemon rolls are ideal for brunches, afternoon teas, or as a cheerful addition to any breakfast table. They're also wonderful for special occasions like Mother's Day, Easter, or a spring gathering, offering a refreshing twist on traditional sweet rolls.
Decoration Tips: Serve these lemon rolls on a beautiful platter to highlight their golden hue and creamy topping. Garnish with thin lemon slices or a light sprinkle of lemon zest to enhance their visual appeal and hint at the lemony goodness inside. A few edible flowers or mint leaves can add a touch of elegance for special occasions.
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 345g bread flour
- 5g salt
- 55g sugar
- 7g instant dry yeast
- 1 egg
- 40g water
- 100g warm milk
- 30g Greek yogurt
- 35g unsalted butter, softened
- Zest of 2 lemons
Filling:
- 60g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- 7g vanilla bean paste
Glaze:
- 25g powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 27g lemon juice
- 30g heavy cream
- 7g vanilla bean paste
- Zest of 1 lemon
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine bread flour, salt, sugar, instant yeast, egg, water, milk, and Greek yogurt.
- Start kneading on low speed. Once the flour is incorporated, add the softened butter. Increase to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, and slightly translucent when stretched.
2. First Fermentation:
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Make the Lemon Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the lemon zest, massaging it with your fingers to release the oils and enhance the lemon flavor.
- Add the softened butter and vanilla bean paste, mixing until it forms a smooth paste.
4. Shape the Rolls:
- After the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle about 35x28 cm.
- Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough.
- Cut the dough into 6-8 pieces (depending on your preference).
- Allow the shaped rolls to rise for another 45 minutes.
5. Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Place the rolls in a buttered baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
6. Prepare the Glaze and Serve:
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled rolls.
Enjoy these heavenly lemon rolls, a delightful blend of fluffy dough and tangy citrus, topped with a luscious creamy glaze. They're sure to bring a burst of brightness to your table and leave everyone asking for more. Enjoy!